Archival piece from Luginism.
In recent weeks, I’ve embarked on a fascinating virtual journey with my nutritional expert Marwa Kharsa. These Zoom reunions blend delightful reminiscences of humorous Boston adventures with deep dives into the intricate world of body movement, nutrition, and the psychology underpinning it all. Our journey started with the creation of a personal profile detailing my eating habits, the capture of pictures, and weight tracking. Each week, Marwa encourages me to reflect on my alignment with a set of tailored actionary goals.
Since transitioning to a new environment, I’ve noticed a constant tendency to compare my current lifestyle with my past one. Differences in my gym routine, protein intake, and sugar consumption, picked up during my time in Colombia, have weighed on my mind. Marwa explored the nuances of the world of comfort and cravings from her perspective, offering unique insights. Having worked with personal trainers in the past, who primarily focused on physical results through weightlifting and dietary regimens, I found that Marwa’s approach stands out for its emphasis on the psychological aspects of our relationship with food. During our conversations, I candidly revealed my sugar cravings, leading to eye-opening revelations.
Marwa offered profound insights into the fundamental role played by our nervous system in the perception of pleasure and indulgence.
Every pleasurable experience triggers the release of dopamine in our brain, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of reward and pleasure. This mechanism underpins the comfort and satisfaction derived from indulgent activities. Indulgence is often a response to elevated stress levels and the release of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to anxiety and cravings. It serves as a coping mechanism, offering emotional relief in the face of life’s challenges.
During one of our recent conversations, the intensity of my sugar cravings during my father’s hospitalization in Colombia became evident. Marwa, with her profound understanding, offered nurturing advice: ‘Be kind to your body, acknowledging the significant stress it had endured.’ She encouraged allowing indulgence in moderation, instead of succumbing to guilt.
Marwa’s words brought a sense of ease, replacing my prior pessimism and judgment with understanding and acceptance. By listening to my body instead of judging it, I allowed energy to flow rather than blocking it. This shift had a ripple effect, transforming my activities into acts of self-love.
Our genuine exercise transcends the physical—it exercises our brains, a muscle I’ve always considered crucial to work on. Indulgence is a common path to emotional comfort, whether through savoring a favorite dessert, enjoying a spa day, or indulging in a Netflix binge. These moments offer profound emotional relief, acting as temporary escapes from the relentless pressures of daily life. It’s intriguing how our bodies communicate with us, often like a flickering oil light on a car dashboard, and we may miss these signals or hesitate to listen.
Neglecting these messages can lead to health issues, with our bodies being temples requiring informed maintenance. By embracing mindful choices, such as quality protein, proper hydration, and physical activity, we can balance coping with life’s challenges and ensuring our temples are well cared for.
This journey marks the beginning of Body 101, a collaboration with Marwa that I hold in high regard. It’s been a process of unlocking dormant energy and rejuvenating my body and soul, offering a fresh start.
“This was a crucial part of my journey; we connected at a time when I needed it the most. I was used to eating cleanly, and suddenly my environment changed. I was accustomed to one extreme and complained about the difference without realizing why and how it affected me. I thought I was eating just fine, considering the emotions I was going through. She helped me navigate through this stagnant and dormant energy, and recognizing it and releasing it was extremely beneficial.”
